Neck pain can be caused by a variety of issues, but most are due to normal aging. The neck is made up of seven bones stacked on top of each other, with cushioning discs in between each bone, and two small joints in the back of the neck at each level. The discs and these joints tend to wear down as we age and can be sources of pain. This process is very common and is present in over 85% of people over the age of 60 (1). Most people do not have symptoms despite these changes. Other issues that can cause problems with your neck include injuries, infection, tumors, congenital issues (things you were born with), or other degenerative processes.

Arm pain due to a neck issue can be caused by similar factors. The normal aging process can cause the bony tunnels where the nerves exit the spine to be narrowed. This can cause irritation of the nerve and trigger a variety of symptoms in the arms. These symptoms can include pain, numbness, and weakness that extend from the neck into the arm.

Normal aging, disc degeneration, injuries, infections or tumors can also cause tightness around the spinal cord itself in the neck. This usually presents differently than tightness around individual nerves. This can present with numbness or weakness of the arms and/or legs, abnormal reflexes, clumsiness of the hands, or trouble with balance while walking.

Treatment for Neck Pain and Arm Pain:

Treatments for neck and arm pain vary depending on the cause. The goal is to treat these issues without surgery if possible. These non-surgical treatments include anti-inflammatory medications and other medications, physical therapy and other treatments such as chiropractic treatment, and specific steroid-based injections by a certified pain specialist. If these measures fail to treat the problem, surgery may be recommended. However, not all patients with neck and arm pain are surgical candidates as the pain may be related to another issue. There are a variety of surgical options and techniques, depending on the problem. Please consider making an appointment at Missoula Bone & Joint to be evaluated for treatment if you have been dealing with neck or arm pain.

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Ralph Nov. 2018

"Clean, professional, and attentive MRI experience."

John, Oct 2018

"Superb in all respects. I have been in all specialties; broken foot, bakers cyst on knee, shoulder injury and now a hip replacement. Even the Walk-in clinic is efficient. All the staff are professional and friendly. It is actually a happy place to visit. Dr. LaPorte fixed my shoulder after a fall on the ice, and Dr. Puckett has worked on both my hands. Thank you for such great care!"

Jim O, Nov. 2018

"My husband was treated with such care at the Urgent Care. It was a stressful time and everything went so smoothly. They worked hard to get the paper work needed for the appointment. The PA was so nice and understanding. Thank You!"

Anna Becker, August 2018

"I just wanted to thank Dr. Willstein for the outstanding job he did in replacing my knees in January 2017. I have had no problems and I am so happy the pain is gone. Everyone at Missoula Bone & Joint is to be commended for it's first class service. Thank you all!"

Bruce, Feb 2018

"Awesome experience at Missoula Bone & Joint. Unfortunate basketball injury caused us to be here. Complete ruptured achilles surgery. We were diagnosed in the morning by the doctor and in surgery in the afternoon. Surgical staff is first class .... explained the entire process and we were comforted in a difficult situation. Grateful for wonderful, exceptional healthcare in Missoula, MT."

Judy D. June 2018

"Joan Bond-Deschamps is extremely thorough, she covered everything, even questions I didn't think to ask. She was eager to solve my problems. I highly recommend MBJ for anyone needing orthopedic care."

Bill W. June 2018

"MBJ is the best Ortho Clinic in Montana! I live in Helena and drive the 238 miles round trip because I love this office."

Paula D, May 2018

"I was in for an MRI last week and always notice how happy folks are at MSO Bone and Joint, I have a chair in each department ... foot, knee, hand, shoulder. We are so fortunate to have such great health care in MSO."

A Frenchtown Family, Feb 2018

"I would like to say that I had a most excellent experience as a PT patient of Bob Botkin over the past few months. His dynamic, receptive, and intuitive approach to therapy was impressive and effective. I appreciate how I would admit to some pain that I was trying to power through, and he could explain why that was hurting me and adapt the therapy to avoid the pain. He has changed my perspective on exercise through said process of being in tune with pain and the biomechanics of my body."

Bradley Applegate, Feb 2018

"Out of 15 surgeries, this was my best experience with physical therapy ever! The whole staff is very friendly and courteous. Kailey and the rest listen to your concerns and are very knowledgable regarding your type of injury and make your rehab fun. I would highly recommend Missoula Bone & Joint P.T. for all your PT. needs."

What is Pain Management? People may think that pain management basically means that a provider gives a patient opioids and pain medication, and that is simply not true. In Pain Management we like to use all kinds of modalities to control pain. Such as injection therapy (epidurals), radio frequency, physical therapy, dry needling, all used…